How Deep Should Shed Footings Be?

How deep should shed footings be? That's one of the first questions to tackle when planning your shed project. In most cases, the depth of your shed's footings will depend on factors like your region's frost line, the size of the shed, and the type of soil you're building on.

For example, in colder climates, footings need to go below the frost line—usually around 30 inches—to prevent shifting. But there's more to it than just digging a hole.

In this article, we'll break down the key factors to help you determine the right depth and ensure a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for your shed.

How Deep Should Shed Footings Be?

To get straight to the point: the depth of your shed footings depends on several factors, including the size of your shed, the climate in your area, and the type of soil you're building on.

But generally, if you're in a region that experiences frost, the footings should extend below the frost line. In colder areas, this might mean digging down 30 to 36 inches. For those in milder climates, 12 to 18 inches could be sufficient.

If you're working with a pre-built shed and need a foundation and footings for it, be sure to check out our guide on how to put a foundation under an existing shed.

Understanding Frost Lines And Soil Conditions

From our research and after putting it to the test, we found that the frost line is one of the most crucial considerations. In regions with freezing winters, soil expands as it freezes, which can cause shallow footings to heave.

To avoid this, the footings must be below the frost line, usually 30 inches or more in colder climates. However, if you're in a warmer area, a shallower depth (12-18 inches) might suffice.

But it's not just about frost—soil conditions also play a big role.

Loose or sandy soil might require deeper footings for added stability, while clay-heavy soils may require special attention to drainage. The key is to ensure your foundation is stable, regardless of the soil type.

Shed Footing Tips From Our Experts

After years of experience building sheds and testing various foundations, here are some practical tips for ensuring your shed stands the test of time:

1. Know Your Frost Line: Always check local building codes to find the frost line in your area. Your local regulations may require you to go deeper than you initially planned.
2. Use Gravel For Drainage: No matter the foundation, always include gravel for drainage. This helps keep water away from the wood and prevents rot.
3. Consider Concrete Footings For Larger Sheds: Larger sheds (especially those over 200 square feet) benefit from more permanent foundations. Poured concrete footings, piers, or slabs will provide the stability needed to support heavy loads.
4. Check The Slope Of Your Yard: If your yard slopes, you may need to level it out or adjust your foundation depth. Sheds built on uneven ground can settle unevenly, leading to issues with doors, windows, and structural integrity.

Understanding building codes and zoning laws is especially important, as it will give you insight into things like building a shed under power lines, answer questions such as do you need a base for a shed, and other nitty-gritty details.

Conclusion

Determining how deep shed footings should be depends on your climate, soil conditions, and the size of the shed you're building.

For areas with freezing temperatures, footings must extend below the frost line to prevent shifting, while smaller sheds in milder climates may only require shallow footings or a gravel pad.

Whether you choose an on-grade foundation or a frost-proof one, proper planning is essential for a sturdy and durable shed. At Homestead Supplier, we have everything you need to start your shed project with confidence—check out our high-quality shed kits today!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

• How to Build a Shed Foundation with Deck Blocks
• Does a Shed Slab Need Footings
• What Is a Lean to Shed?
• What Is a Potting Shed?
• What Is a Shed House?
• How Much Is a Storage Shed?
• Best Lawn Mower Storage Shed
• Can You Put a Shed on Grass?
• How to Level a Shed with Concrete Blocks
• How to Build a Cinder Block Foundation for a Shed
• Is a Shed a Permanent Structure?
• How to Lay a Foundation for a Shed
• How to Make a Shed Base Without Concrete
• How Far Does a Shed Have to Be From the Fence?
• How to Make a Shed Look Nice